One of the best lakes to visit in Vermont is Lake Champlain. Located mostly within the borders of the United States (in the states of Vermont and New York), Lake Champlain is a naturally occurring freshwater lake that also extends into the Canadian province of Quebec.

Additionally, of all the lakes in the state, Champlain offers the most activities. Eight miles of Burlington's beachfront have bike paths that you can use to travel by foot or bicycle. From Charlotte, Grand Isle, or Burlington, you can catch a ferry to New York or travel by cruise. By renting a kayak or a boat from one of the several state parks along the shore, you can go exploring on your own.

Visit historical landmarks; Vergennes, where ships were manufactured during the War of 1812, and the Revolution both benefited from the lake; or go bird watching; the lake is home to more than 300 different bird species. More than 90 varieties of fish may be found here, making it one of the top lakes in the entire Northeast for bass fishing if fishing is your sport. Just be mindful not to hook Champy, the lake's fabled 20-foot sea monster.

Location: New York/Vermont in the United States

A lake named Lake Willoughby is located in the town of Westmore, Orleans County, in Vermont's the Northeast Kingdom. The Willoughby State Forest encloses the lake's southernmost point. Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, commonly known as "Willoughby Gap", are part of this state forest. The lake has a length of around 5 miles (8.0 km). Willoughby was ranked as the third-best lake in New England by Yankee magazine in 2010.

With its origins in the bed of an ancient river between Mount Pisgah on the east and Mount Hor on the west, Willoughby is a great example of a gouged basin lake. Glaciers increased the lake and ground it, and after blocking both ends with glacial till deposits, the lake filled to a depth of up to 300 feet in some places.

On either end, there are beaches with sand. The main beach is in Wetmore, with plenty of parking; the smaller, the more private beach has a sandy bottom, and you may rent kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes from the White Caps Campground there.

Location: Orleans County, Vermont, United States

Lake St. Catherine spans more than 850 acres and is located just three miles from the border with New York, southwest of Rutland. The main lake, which is made up of three distinct bodies of water, is connected to Lily Pond in the north and Little Lake in the south via canals.

This makes the lake a favorite for kayaking; at Lake St. Catherine State Park, where there's also a beach and campground, you can hire kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Because of the chilly waters, there is excellent fishing here for largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, yellow perch, and northern pike. Wells Lakeside Park, which has a boat launch and a picnic area, is located near the northernmost point of Little Lake.

Anglers of all ability levels have access to fantastic fishing possibilities at Lake St. Catherine. The chilly waters of the lake are home to panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, yellow perch, and northern pike. The rare moose or white-tailed deer may be spotted by fortunate tourists. The nature center hosts regularly scheduled nature activities.

Location: Rutland, Vermont

Located in the towns of Castleton and Hubbardton in Rutland County, Lake Bomoseen is a freshwater lake in the western region of the U.S. state of Vermont. With a surface size of over 2,400 acres, it is the largest lake that is totally contained within the state. The lake was created by glacial and has a maximum depth of 19.8 m and an average depth of 8.2 m. It discharges into the Castleton River, a tributary of the Poultney River, which then runs west to East Bay at the southern end of Lake Champlain. It has five major inlets and drains a basin of 100.25 km2.

In Lake Bomoseen State Park, where multiple quarry holes and slate slag piles still exist, you may find signs of this industrial past (if you are traveling with children, be sure to bring some chalk, so they can write on the slate pieces they discover there). To find out more, go on a self-guided Slate History Trail.

The park's grounds also encircle the smaller Glen Lake, which is close by and has a shoreline similar to Lake Bomoseen's. The park features a campground, a kids' playground, a large swimming beach, and boats, and you can hire canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. It is a favorite place for ice fishing in the winter because the fishing is so good there.

Location: Rutland County, Vermont

When glacial ice hollowed out a large basin in an earlier valley, Maidstone Lake was formed. A deep, clear, and chilly lake was created 12,000 years ago when the last glaciers receded.

The lake has some spectacular record catches of lake trout and provides good lake trout fishing. A nice place to see nesting loons is Maidstone Lake. The loon enjoys the seclusion of the northern lakes, where the shoreline are lined with the shade of spruce and fir. The loon, which was once widespread in Vermont, was recently taken off the list of endangered species, although it is still a species of concern.

The state's most crystal-clear and spotless lake is Maidstone Lake. Just take a look at the island's overhead shot, then gaze down to observe how crystal-clear the water is. The water at the end of the dock is 20 or more feet deep. Some of the best trout fishing in the state can be found at the lake.

Two campgrounds with tent and RV sites as well as lean-to shelters are part of Maidstone State Park. Along with three swimming beaches and boat rentals, the park features hiking routes that go through the forest surrounding the lake.

Location: Maidstone, Vermont

Caspian Lake, located northwest of St. Johnsbury, has long been a favorite retreat for creative types. Cross-country skiing is one of the many outdoor sports that may be done all year long in the serenely beautiful setting on the trails of the Craftsbury Outdoor Center.

Caspian Lake is a good location for kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and fishing for lake trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, and landlocked salmon in addition to the public swimming beach. In the more tranquil areas of the lake, loons are frequently seen.

Although there isn't a state park close by, the community of Greensboro is on one side, and the Highland Lodge's wraparound front porch views the lake and provides free use of kayaks at its private beach.

Other lakeside activities in Greensboro include year-round performances at the Highland Center for the Arts as well as outdoor concerts on Sunday evenings.

Location: Greensboro, Vermont

Located in Elmore, Vermont, and bearing the same name, Lake Elmore is a 219-acre (0.89 km2) body of water. The lake is situated to the northwest of Elmore, and at its northern end, Elmore Pond Brook allows it to empty into the Lamoille River. Milfoil has been an issue for the lake recently, and every year, a number of fundraisers are held to support the Milfoil Foundation, which uses the funds to pay for the milfoil's removal.

Lake Elmore was created by glacial till that blocked a river's discharge at the base of the 2,600-foot Elmore Mountain, northwest of Stowe. The 700-acre Elmore State Park, which sits on its shore, has a boat rental facility, a wide sandy bathing beach, and a campsite.

The Civilian Conservation Corps built the building housing the baths and concession stand during the Great Depression (CCC). A fire tower with breathtaking views of the lake and the Green Mountains may be found at the summit of Elmore Mountain, which is reached by hiking routes in the park. Lake Elmore is one of the best lakes in Vermont.

Location: Elmore, Lamoille County, Vermont, United States

Between Newport, Vermont, in the United States, and Magog, Quebec, in Canada, Lake Memphremagog is a freshwater glacial lake. Despite being largely in Quebec, the lake is located in both Quebec and Vermont. Vermont makes up the majority of the watershed that feeds the lake, which is a source of accumulated phosphorus, silt, and other contaminants. The water quality has improved as a result of cleanup activities since the late 1980s. 200,000 people receive drinkable water from the lake. Using a retro-styled cruiser, Northern Star Lake Cruises offers day, supper, and twilight excursions around the lake. Landlocked Atlantic salmon and other species benefit from the lake's cool, clean, and well-oxygenated waters.

With a surface size of slightly over 100 km2 (including 25 km2 in Vermont, across the border from the United States), Lake Memphremagog provides plenty of space to engage in favorite outdoor and aquatic activities including swimming, fishing, diving, paddleboarding, and more (soaking in the sights from the shore). A wonderful place to spend some time—until, of course, you encounter its most infamous inhabitant, the Memphre lake monster.

Location: Newport, Vermont, United States

The next position on the list of the best lakes to visit in Vermont is Lake Dunmore. Freshwater Lake Dunmore is located in Vermont's Addison County. The lake's 985 acres of surface area stretch over the towns of Salisbury and Leicester. In a north-south direction, Lake Dunmore is more than three miles long and up to one mile wide. Sucker Brook, which originates in the nearby Moosalamoo National Recreation Area of the Green Mountain National Forest, is the main source of water. Leicester River, a tributary of Otter Creek, which feeds into Lake Champlain, drains the lake.

There are beautiful mountain views, a sandy shore, and crystal-clear water at Lake Dunmore. You can also go in search of one of the state's most spectacular waterfalls thanks to the added benefit of local hiking trails. The lake is the ideal summertime location for a swim or boat exploration. For more enjoyment, rent a canoe, kayak, rowboat, or pedal boat. Your vacation at Lake Dunmore will be an even greater adventure because of the nearby hiking trails. For an added treat, visit the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area.

Location: Addison County, Vermont

Emerald Lake is located in the town of Dorset, a historic marble mining town north of Manchester, and was created when glacier debris blocked a stream's discharge. The lake's northern end has a sand beach and grassy hillside, while the rest of the shoreline is underdeveloped and encircled by trees.

On the hilltop above the beach, the park has a campground, and boat rentals are provided (no motorized boats are allowed). Keep in mind that if you bring your own kayak, you will need to portage a distance to get to the beach from the parking area.

Emerald Lake is about 20 acres in size, but what it lacks in size is more than makes up for in beauty. Throughout the summer, swimmers, paddlers, sunbathers, and fishermen are drawn to the area by its crystal-clear green waters and sandy bottom. Although Emerald Lake is regarded as the best swimming hole in the area, this lovely park offers much more than just swimming. It's also the ideal location for family camping, a haven for dog lovers, and a hiker's heaven.

Location: 65 Emerald Lake LaneEast Dorset, Vermont 05253

Kayakers' hidden haven in central Vermont is Lowell Lake in Londonderry. The only sounds are the wind stirring the leaves and possibly the call of a loon as trees flank the coast. The lake includes numerous small tree-covered islands and is surrounded by mixed hardwoods and white pines. If you arrive first, you may have a whole island to yourself for a picnic.

Visitors get the impression that they are in a distant, untamed area because of how densely forested the lake and trees are. The focal point of this area is the lake. Adjacent wetlands increase the biological and visual diversity that attracts people and supports wildlife.

The Lowell Lake Trail is a loop that entirely encircles Lowell Lake and is about 3.5 miles long. A cemetery from the Revolutionary War stands of tall white pine trees, and picturesque vistas of the lake and marshes are some of the trail's features. The hike is quite strenuous and is situated on reasonably level terrain. Blue paint blazes on the ground identify the trail. The trail's northern section travels along town roads for about 1000 feet as well as park service roads on both sides of the lake. The parking area off Lowell Lake Road, close to the boat dock, offers parking for the route.

Location: near Londonderry, Vermont

The length and width of Crystal Lake are both roughly three miles. It is known to reach depths of more than 100 feet in some spots. It is a glacial lake that is exquisitely positioned between rugged mountain slopes.

The ledges on Crystal Lake's eastern shore are not quite as spectacular as those of Lake Willoughby, but both lakes are glacier-carved basins. However, Crystal Lake has the benefit of a sizable beach area that is away from the road and has a grassy picnic area along the coast that is shaded by big trees.

This mile-long stretch of beach is located in Crystal Lake State Park and offers snacks, kayak rentals, and restrooms. Pageant Park, which is calmer and more isolated than the state park, is also on the northern shore. The beach and campground are publicly accessible and are owned by the town of Barton. A boat launch for non-motorized boats is available in the park. Crystal Lake is one of the best lakes to visit in Vermont.

Location: Barton, Orleans County, Vermont, United States